John "Jack" C. Macauley

John "Jack" Clifford Macauley, 99, of Kingston, died Sunday, April 30, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Brooklyn, he was a son of the late Clifford Macauley and Elizabeth Bartly Macauley. Jack served proudly as a paratrooper with the 17th Airborne Division and obtained the rank of S/Sgt. Fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Belgum, Central Europe, Rhineland and made a combat jump into Wesel, Germany in support of Operation Varsity on March 24, 1945. Jack was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantryman Badge. He returned home with the 517th combat team. In 1946, Jack joined the NYC Police Dept. and retired as a Detective Second Grade in 1966. He was awarded the Combat Cross for gallantry in service and was named Policeman of the Month on August 1951. In 1968 he joined United Parcel Service as Loss Prevention Manager and retired 1986. Jack was the Past President and Life Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association, Charter member and past vice-chairman of the 82nd Airborne Division Association Tri-state Mid-Hudson Chapter, Port Jervis, Life Member American Legion Post 150 Kingston, NY, Member of DAV Association, Member of Police Association Hudson Valley 10-13, Life Member and Past President Veteran Battle of the Bulge Association Chapter 59, Past State Committeeman of the Ulster County Democratic Party and Life Member and Past President of VFW of Post 8959, Kerhonkson, NY. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Cecelia Macauley, a daughter, Patrice Macauley and her husband, Frank Baker, a son, Gregory Macauley and his wife Claire, three grandchildren Scott Perkins, Jennifer Knapp, Eric Esposito and seven great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by a daughter, Merrilyn Waznys and a brother, Clinton Macauley. The family will receive friends at the Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Arlene Dawber, officiating. Military Honors by Joyce-Schirick Post 1386 Color Guard, will follow. Inurnment in Saratoga National Cemetery will be privately held. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HealthAlliance Hospital Foundation, 96 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 or Hudson Valley Hospice, 400 Aaron Ct, Kingston, NY 12401.